Assam tourism department recruitment scam: 3 arrested, Ex-IAS officer on the run

In a major breakthrough, the Chief Minister's Vigilance Cell has arrested three individuals in connection with a recruitment scam in the Assam Tourism Department. The scam, which took place in 2012, involved the manipulation of the recruitment process for Assistant Tourism Officers.

According to sources, the scam was uncovered after some deserving candidates alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. An investigation was launched, which revealed that some candidates had used multiple pens to answer questions, answer sheets did not have the signature of invigilators, and marks were increased to select candidates who had scored low.

The investigation has implicated former IAS officer Manalisha Goswami, who was the Director of the Tourism Department at the time, and another official, Nabajyoti Barua. The scam allegedly took place under the supervision of the then-Tourism Minister, Rokibul Hussain.

The three arrested individuals are Pranjal Barua, Ananya Barthakur, and Nayanmoni Pamegam. Other accused in the case, including Hiranya Kumar Saikia, Shemim Mannan, Mehjubin Begum, Gautam Gogoi, and Madhab Das, have obtained anticipatory bail. Former IAS officer Manalisha Goswami and Gautam Gogoi are currently absconding.

The arrests have once again exposed the recruitment scams that took place during the previous government's tenure. \

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